Amazon Offers to Help Distribute COVID-19 Vaccines in Biden Inauguration Congratulations Letter

Amazon Appeals to 800,000 Employees for "Fastest Possible Vaccination"
20,000 Amazon Employees Infected During First Major Outbreak

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Amazon, the largest e-commerce company in the United States, conveyed its intention to assist in the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine in a congratulatory letter sent to newly inaugurated U.S. President Joe Biden. It is also reported that Amazon appealed for measures to ensure the rapid vaccination of its approximately 800,000 employees.

According to foreign media including NBC News, on the 20th (local time), Dave Clark, CEO of Amazon's consumer division, sent a congratulatory letter to President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on their inauguration day. In the letter, CEO Clark stated, "We are ready to help achieve the goal of vaccinating 100 million people within the first 100 days of your administration," adding, "Considering the scale of Amazon's operations, we can have an immediate and meaningful impact in the fight against COVID-19."

He emphasized, "We have contracted with healthcare providers to administer vaccines directly at Amazon facilities," and "We are prepared to move quickly as soon as vaccines become available." He also reportedly appealed, "Please take measures so that approximately 800,000 essential Amazon employees can receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible."

Earlier, Amazon had urged the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health and Human Services last month to expedite vaccinations for its employees, but was reportedly rejected, NBC News reported.

Previously, Amazon faced criticism for its failure to respond adequately during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the first wave, Amazon continued to operate its logistics warehouses and grocery chain Whole Foods Market, and about 20,000 employees were confirmed to have contracted COVID-19, drawing public backlash at the time.